Authorities said Bechard was suffering a psychotic episode when the then-37-year-old man entered a Waterville chapel and attacked four nuns, killing two and injuring two others who later died. He was found not criminally responsible by reason of mental disease or defect and committed to state custody.

Mullen agreed with a state official who said workers overseeing Bechard's care might not know him well enough to tell if his mental status has improved due to a high staff turnover.